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Choosing between internal versus vendor solutions is heavily influenced by the anticipated duration of use and the associated costs. The rationale for selecting the option to build the solution if it will be kept for longer than a specified period—such as 14 months—is grounded in the lifecycle cost analysis.

When considering a custom-built solution, there are often higher initial development costs and time investments. However, if the solution is intended to be used for an extended period, these upfront costs can be justified through continued use, as the long-term savings can outweigh the benefits of purchasing a pre-built vendor solution. Over time, building a solution can yield significant advantages, such as tailored functionalities that fit the organization's specific needs, which can reduce ongoing operational costs and improve efficiency.

Conversely, if a solution is not expected to be in use for a long duration, it often makes sense to opt for a vendor-supplied solution. This way, organizations can immediately deploy a proven product without incurring the higher costs and time associated with developing a custom solution from scratch.

Thus, the consideration of the timeframe reflects the cost-effectiveness and return on investment of the chosen solution, making a duration of 14 months a significant benchmark for decision-making in the context of build versus buy scenarios.